Yes, yes, it’s the 15th. But awhile back, Hubby and I decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 15th, rather than the 14th, and not because the candy’s on sale, though that’s a perfectly good reason. So this year, I’m doing something similar: we’re celebrating on the 15th – with vintage romances.
I recently had an email from a reader, DM, who found a Laurie McBain title she’d loved years and years ago on sale in the bookstore’s romance section – and she was so very happy to be able to buy a new one, as her old copy was long lost:
I just got back from my lunch break sweep through Borders. While snatching up the new Alice Hoffman, the latest Guildhunter & Loose Ends, a familiar and beloved name caught my eye from the new release rack: Laurie McBain. Yes, it was a soft cover edition of “Devil’s Desire.” I thought to myself, this is HUGE. Did I miss something? The bitchery should know this! There’s a whole generation out there who’ve missed out on the awesomeness that was Laurie McBain; the woman who started the hero as not such an alphhole rapist trend. One can only hope that the rest of her books are soon to receive similar treatment. Not that I’ll need to shell out for them I still have all the originals including the carrot topped fleeing virgin covered “Devil’s Desire.” I keep them away from the sun in a box marked “my precious”… Anyway, just wanted to share.
I admit, I never read a McBain, and DM says that among her favorites are Moonstruck Madness and Devil’s Desire. Woo hoo! Books to add to the romance re-read pile.
McBain’s books are being reprinted as part of the Sourcebooks Casabalanca Classics line, which is headed by Leah Hultenschmidt and brings new editions of classic romances to the bookstore. I asked Leah a few questions about the line, and about the books she’s looking to publish as part of Casablanca Classics.
What makes a good classic romance that you think has to be republished to reach a new audience?
We’ve been primarily concentrating on romances that helped define the genre in some way, yet still have an irresistible hero and heroine. They might not fit as neatly into today’s “romance” mold (if such a broad genre can be said to have a mold), but that’s what’s been so exciting about bringing them out again. To me, they’re “The Godfather” of romance—so much has been based on these works and the ideas have been adapted in a number of ways, but the original never feels old.
What are some plot points or characteristics that speak to readers today, and which ones do you think should be avoided?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “I wish they’d like romance like they used to.” These readers aren’t missing the potential does-she-want-it/doesn’t-she? sex scenes, the purple euphemisms or insipid heroines that you sometimes find in early works of the genre. Thank goodness we’ve evolved a lot in that respect—and the really good writers never bothered with them anyway. But there is a scope missing in a lot of today’s books, that epic sense since you used to get in historical romance that page-count requirements and the drive for pacing have often eliminated in the current market.
For example, in Laurie McBain’s TEARS OF GOLD (Aug.), we’re more than 100 pages in before the main characters are even in the same state. I’d not likely let a newer author get away with separating the hero and heroine so long. But in Laurie’s book, it absolutely works and by the time they do come together—HELL-O! The anticipation leaves the reader begging.
And in LEGACY (March), Jeanette Baker does what we’ve been calling a timeslip—a modern-day hero or heroine going through a similar struggle as counterparts in the past. No one actually goes back in time a la Diana Gabaldon (another favorite), but you get a great sense of how a historical conflict is still immensely relevant today.
What authors or books would you LOVE to republish, and which of the books released so far as a Casablanca Classic do you adore the most?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Laura Kinsale, so having those books on the list has been a dream come true for me. Same with Roberta Gellis—her historical detail is stunning.
As for who comes next, I’d love to hear what your readers have to say! Anything out of print at least 5 years but preferably 10 is fair game. And if they’re bestselling award-winners, all the better.
OK, then, let’s tell them what to do. Leah and the Sourcebooks crew have a few sets of the Classics line to give away for your guys. Yay! Books! All you have to do is leave a comment and tell us what book you’d like to see as part of the Casablanca Classics line, a romance from long ago that would rock our house today, and you’re entered to win. If you don’t have a book to suggest but you love the older romances, tell us something you love about them that you don’t see so much in romances published today – good or bad.
I’ll draw five winners, and each winner will receive a set of the following books:
Disclaimer: I’m not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Black socks, they never get dirty. The longer you wear them, the stiffer they get. Open to international entries, though the shipping will probably take awhile. Any resemblance to any persons living or dead will probably be remarked upon on some blog somewhere.
So, tell us: what vintage romance should be back on your shelves, all shiny and new?
The only experience I have with classic romance is the Mills & Boon titles. They were the only thing I was allowed to read when I was younger. Of course, there were the few books I managed to read under the covers at night, but none that really come to mind right now.
I used to love to read Laurie McBain books! They reminded me of Kathleen Woodiwiss books, where there is sweeping cross continent drama, a dark hero, and a naive (yet feisty) heroine caught up in ‘timeless’ love.
Quite often, there is some (mis)understanding between the that is exacerbated by a jealous former lover and cohort.
The first romance novel I read was by kathleen Woodiwiss. So I feel that anything by her is a classic
I know she is still writing, but the first romance I ever read was “The Princess” by Jude Deveraux. I loved her Montgomery series, and I think it deserves a chance to shine again.
Oh my—
I am actually fortunate enough to own a copy of Windflower—but it is too fragile to read!(having been read too many times already.) So add me to the Windflower queue.
All of Laurie McBain—yes! And another vote here for Gellis’ Roselynd Chronicles (again, I have the originals, but am scared to open them for fear of book destruction). Plus she did some other really good historicals like The Rope Dancer, which features non-aristocrats as the main characters(shock!).
Patricia Veryan—Yes!!! I would dearly love to see Mistress of Willowvale in print again.
I’m sure I could come up with more—but that’s it for now.
I would like to see some of Mary Stewart’s novels reprinted, as well as some of the better Victoria Holt gothics. I cut my romance reading teeth on those two and on Phyllis A. Whitney’ suspense romances. It has been ages since I read either, and they were translations, so I couldn’t give you titles even if I wanted to.
I don’t think there is any need to mention Georgette Heyer, since there are at least two publishers re-issuing her novels, but she’s such a favourite that I would love to see her novels re-issued in hard covers.
I am going to suggest Blaze Wyndham by Bertrice Small. You talked about it recently and I can’t find it anywhere. I have hit all the used bookstores. Now I am hitting estate sales. *fingers crossed*
Balogh! Balogh! Balogh! Kleypas! Kleypas! Kleypas!
I am relatively new to the genre and did not even realize these two has a backlist. Please! I need them!
Love Laurie McBain… Moonstruck Madness was my favorite! The ones that got me started reading romance (when the librarians used to try to herd me to the children’s section) were Victoria Holt and Barbara Michaels. Loved them all!
Like the many, many people here, I would love to see “The Windflower” reissued. I haven’t read it yet because I’m not willing to fork out the ridiculous amount of money people want for that particular book.
I’ve heard a lot about Jan Cox Speas, so I’d love to win this package & get the chance to read her book (and all the others).
I’d love to see Rachel Summerson’s Hearts Are Trumps reprinted—it’s a Victorian historical novel rather than a straight romance, kind of a riff on Pride & Prejudice which follows three very different sisters. Two of them end up not so happily, but the eldest has a wonderful, satisfying romance.
And add one more vote for The Windflower—I’ve heard so much about it & never been able to find a used copy at a semi-reasonable price.
I re-read a Victoria Holt last year, and I’m sad to say that it didn’t hold up well. Unfortunately I can’t remember which title, so perhaps it was one of her later ones.
I know it’s been mentioned before, but I desperately want The Windflower to be reprinted. And the rest of Laura London’s books. =)
Stormfire – I’ve read it online (a site with scanned pages of the book) and would love a copy but the second hand ones available are a fortune.
Definitely old skool and difficult to read in parts – he rapes her, she is starved by a mean mistress of his, is almost killed and is catatonic for about a year and a half, he is betrayed by her and his brother, is partially castrated and sees her married and a mistress to Napoleon. A really hard earned HEA.
I feel like the odd woman out here – but when I see “classic” and “epic” all I can think is long and boring. I’ve read a few older Balogh and to me they were very ‘meh’ – not sure what the big fuss is. No interest in reading 500+ books that make me feel like I’m in history class – no interest in purple sagas where there are a lot of swords and sheaths – but also no interest in reading Heyer – sounds boring, and closed door books are not my thing. Boy, do I sound cranky – but I just don’t get it. Romance readers seem so fickle to me – they love romance but then complain nonstop about certain tropes or how it’s not as good as it used to be or why do authors do this or why don’t they do that! I’m happy more often than not with what I read, mostly things published after 1990 – not sure I want to go backwards much before then!
Candice Proctor’s early books, in particular “Whispers of Heaven” (probably my favorite romance) and “Night in Eden.”
And I really want to read “The Windflower.”
oops…that would be… “No interest in reading 500+ PAGE books that make me feel like I’m in history class…” – I hesitate to pick up most books that are longer than 400 pages, although certain PNR books are ok!
Oh, I absolutely need to add my voice to the “Put Patricia Veryan’s Books Back In Print” clamor! E-book versions of her books would be more than welcome, too.
Her books have it all: angst-ridden and honorable heroes, strong and likable heroines, lots of action/adventure… These were my gold standard for “Regency” type romances long before I ever picked up a Georgette Heyer.
i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again: The Emperor’s Lady by F.W. Kenyon. it’s out of print, but i was lucky enough to have a college friend gift me her old copy for my birthday one year. one of the 1st real romance novels i’ve read, and one of my favorites!
~lAUra
When I was younger my friend and I would sneak Jude Deveraux (??) from her moms closet. Not sure if they should be reprinted but I remember one about twins and they switched places (so old skool) but somehow ended up marrying the right grooms (just the grooms didn’t know it).
I would love to Red Adam’s Lady by Grace Ingram reprinted. Also, I would love to Tara’s Song by Barbara Johnson reprinted.
Is there anyone reprinting Dorothy Dunnett?
Many of Balogh’s books have already been reprinted or are scheduled for the next several years. Check her website, they are all listed there.
Heyer is already being done by Sourcebook, but unfortunately in trade size which I hate due to price and heavy floppiness which makes reading that format a pain (ITA and literally due to my bum wrists). I’d love mmpb sized reissues. Some of my copies of Heyer are closing in on 70 years old. 🙂
I’d love to see Christine Monson reprinted, especially Rangoon and Stormfire (although they really are not for the faint of heart or those who prefer their romance PC :).
I know Roselynde is with Cerridwen and I cried when I read that on Gellis’ website. Maybe Leah can negotiate her out of that??? Those books absolutely deserve to be back in print.
I miss Zebra’s Gothic Romance series. I’ve been lucky in finding a handful at second-hand stores, and the ones I’ve purchased on Amazon are in pretty rough conditions. I wouldn’t mind if they were all reprinted, rent would just have to wait a bit.
I’d like to see more people realize that a lot of the classic old swashbucklers (Rafael Sabatini, as mentioned above, Andre Dumas) and pulp scifi/adventure novels were romances written for men! Almost every Edgar Rice Burroughs or Edmond Hamilton story (“Star Kings”, “Return to the Stars”) I have read had guy, girl, romance, many obstacles, HEA.
Science Fiction Book Club regularly re-issues Burroughs classics, and Baen Books has been republishing quite a few classic pulp scifi authors in E-Book format.
I wish modern publishers would realize that guys like actual romance written for them, not just sexual conquest fantasies. (One of the things I like about Eric Flint’s novels, is he does have healthy romances spring up, and he treats less-than-innocent women as real people.)
Gellis! Heyer! Lee! Holt!
I have fallen through a time portal of awesomeness.
@ J – Different strokes
and all that. I’d rather read 500+ pages of someone getting the historical details reasonably right (Gellis, Gellis, Gellis) and weaving a good romance into the pages.
I only found Kleypas through the Bitchery and would also love to see her backlist.
There’s just something about this old one… Love Play by Rosemary Rogers. It’s one of the first romance novels I ever snuck off my mom’s bookshelf… and boy did I get a quick education!
The heroine is feisty, and the hero is an Italian duke and starts out as a total alpha jerk, but it works and it is scorching hot! There’s a ton of sexual tension, but there’s also some real emotion too. The characters actually have some depth. I just have to re-read it every once in a while.
I have an old, battered copy, but I’d love a nice new one!
It’s one of the very few books allowed to stay on my keeper shelf… (and with a TBR pile of almost 1000, that’s saying a lot!)
Heyer and Mary Stewart are regularly reprinted anyway, as, indeed, they should be. The originators and first masters (mistresses?) of the Regency and of romantic suspense need to be available to every generation. One of the things that they teach, incidentally, is that strong heroines don’t need to be selfish, arrogant bitches (some modern authors don’t quite get that…) and that all the emotions of love and romance can be vividly conveyed without so much as a word about sex.
I second the suggestion that some of Jayne Ann Krentz’s older novels should be reprinted. In addition to Shield’s Lady (1989) and Crystal Flame (1986), both of which are science fiction, the linked pair Gift of Gold (1988) and Gift of Fire (1989) are great stories with an intriguing touch of the paranormal; they should be made available again. Midnight Jewels (1987) is also worth adding to the list. The two-part novel Dreams (1988), again with that subtle touch of the paranormal that Jayne does so well, came out as Harlequin Temptations in 1988, and were actually reprinted as a single volume (A Shared Dream) in trade paperback in 2001, but with the most atrocious editing I have ever seen — for example, passages quoted from the novel that the hero was writing, which appeared indented and in italics in the original books, simply run on in the same font and spacing in the reprint, so if one were reading the text for the first time, one would be baffled. So they deserve a good-quality reprint.
Some 1980s category romances from Linda Howard, Elizabeth Lowell and Barbara Delinsky might do well, too, but I think that issues with rights can be problematic with books that came out first in Harlequin.
I’m also going to have to go with Jude Devereaux. I must have read everything that she had out prior to 1990.
I want classic Christina Dodd historical romances…I have some, but I would love more of her old books. 😀 Also, Judith McNaught’s old historicals. Those and Johanna Lindsey are the books I got started with. BUT! For young adults? I want to see the Sunfire Romances brought back. That was my first plunge that laid the ground work for my
obsessionI mean love of romance. LOL!I agree wholeheartedly with re-releasing Patricia Veryan’s books. I lurved Roland Otton in The Golden Chronicles. Such a well-written villain. I loved watching his metamorphosis.
@Gwynnyd – funny, but personally I don’t care about historical facts being correct or not, since most of the time I have no idea if they are. As long as the Duke is not driving his Ferrari into Almack’s and knights are not surfing the web, I’m fine – I hate getting bogged down in the minutea of the clothing and politics of the times…bring on the wallpaper historicals!!
Laura London’s backlist PLEASE!!! Those are treasures and I have such a hard time finding them, and when I do they are an astronomical amount of money.
I would like to also add that I really appreciate that Laura Kinsale’s books are re-released. She is above and beyond all others!
Add another to the extensive Windflower list. I’d love to read that one, but cannot afford it at the current price.
I’m just starting to read Balogh, so glad to hear they are all being reprinted.
It was Judith McNaught’s old historicals (especially Kingdom of Dreams) that got me hooked on Romance, and I still have them all in their falling apart paperback form. Sadly, I find many of them don’t withstand re-reading today. I find I don’t have enough patience with the heroines these days…..guess that’s the difference “life experience” brings to the reading experience…LOL.
I was lucky enough to score a copy of Blaze Wyndham through interlibrary loan and have that to read next! It is readily available on paperbackswap.com for those that are looking to score a copy!
Judith McNaught’s Paradise is classic!
Another one I would love to see, I can’t remember the name. My mom got rid of the series, but I remember being utterly swept away by the imagery of this series (which I thought was written by Roberta Gellis, but glancing through her backlist & what’s in print, I guess not) – took place in California and Mexico in the 1820s-1850s (roughly) between the feisty daughter of a rich Mexican and a gringo.
I see they are reissuing My Love, My Enemy and Bride of the MacHugh by Jan Cox Speas. I hope they will also get around to My Lord Monleigh. I’ll also second, third, or fourth the Patricia Veryan and Elsie Lee requests.
I’m in the middle of reading Celeste Bradley’s Royal Four series and they have a decided old school vibe, especially One Night with a Spy. Not the historic sweep part so much as the dubious hero.
@sandy l, Vintage Press has a beautiful set of reissues for Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond Chronicles and House of Niccolo series. Now if I can just get around to reading them.
I can’t think of a reprint at the moment, but I agree that scope is something to miss! Back when, I remember more (good) books taking their time and taking a bit of a journey. I also loved reading the old Jude Deveraux (mom’s favorite author) and miss the sweeping family series like the Montgomerys. I like knowing who the second cousin’s brother-in-law’s granddaughter ends up with! 😉 Also, so many books right now seem to have some major focus on sexxx (not just erotica)—and while I like me some hawt like the next girl, I like me some plot more! Not everything needs to be super sexxxed up!
I’m also not really sure about what is out of print or not but I saw the Jennifer Blake book above and I have ALL of her books. Those older ones in Louisianan are amazing. She rocks. I’m like peering at my bookshelf right now trying to think what could be out of print? I’m pretty sure all of Catherine Coulter’s books are still in print… and those old style Johanna Lindsey ones.
The Windflower! For heaven’s sake The Windflower!! All of Laura London, actually. I get so depressed poking around on Alibris and Amazon trying to find a decent copy for less than $20. Oh, and any old Loretta Chase books, too.
Gosh, I think in order to have a favorite—or even a favorites list!—I would have to sit down and read through Bitchery reviews of out-of-print classics.
Right now, I’m looking at the comments so far, and making mental notes for when I go to the library and have time to read epic, sprawling, sweeping sagas. *grin*
sense74—I sense there are at least 74 reprints that I would love to get my hands on.
1. I’m going really old-school here, but I’d love to see some of Jeffery Farnol’s romantic adventure stories back in print—and not just as pricey POD editions, thank you very much. (This, after all, was the guy who inspired Georgette Heyer.)
2. I miss many of the old Avon Regencies from the 1970’s. Joan Smith was my favorite—I still have a battered old copy of Aunt Sophie’s Diamonds with the absurdly anachronsitic Alan Cass cover art.
3. The Windflower. After reading the many glowing reviews of this book here and elsewhere, I’d love to read it—but not so much that I’m willing to spend $20+ for a paperback in “fair” condition.
4. Laura Kinsale’s For My Lady’s Heart; the first of her novels I read, and the best, IMO.